Aug 16, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian drone commander outlines strategic conditions to counter Russian forces

Ukrainian military commanders have outlined strategic conditions and uncrewed system priorities needed to disrupt Russian operational logistics and maintain long-term defense.

Ukrainian military commanders and strategic analysts are refining tactical and strategic approaches to counter Russian forces amid evolving battlefield dynamics. A prominent drone unit commander outlined key requirements necessary to disrupt Russian operations, emphasizing sustained strikes on logistical arteries, energy infrastructure, command centres, and weapons stockpiles to constrain Moscow's offensive momentum.

Concurrently, discussions regarding Ukraine's broader wartime strategy highlight a focus on long-term resilience alongside active defense. Ukrainian officials maintain that Russian ambitions pose wider regional risks, arguing that degrading enemy logistics and expanding domestic uncrewed system capabilities remain vital components in neutralizing frontline pressure.

Sources: 15min.

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Global militaries accelerate integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems

Global militaries and conflict zones are rapidly transforming as artificial intelligence, robotics, and commercial technologies reshape modern strategic doctrines.

The transformation of armed combat through autonomous systems and artificial intelligence continues to accelerate across multiple theatres. Tech entrepreneur Eric Schmidt described the war in Ukraine as a fundamental military revolution, driven by software and uncrewed platforms replacing traditional reliance on heavy armour.

Ukrainian officials similarly framed the ongoing conflict as a "technological war," crediting domestic drone and robotics development with significantly expanding operational strike capabilities. However, operational constraints remain, including access limitations imposed on commercial satellite networks like Starlink for cross-border targeting.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian intelligence identified United States-manufactured microcomputers inside newly produced Russian missiles, pointing to adversarial AI deployment. Beyond Eastern Europe, China’s People's Liberation Army has introduced specialized AI platforms to automate and coordinate large-scale, simultaneous airstrikes.

Sources: Liga net, NEXTA, NV, Point, The Insider

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Serbian media watchdogs report surge in attacks and threats against journalists

Media monitoring groups in Serbia have documented a surge in physical assaults, death threats, and verbal harassment targeting journalists and cultural figures.

Media watchdogs and press associations in Serbia have recorded a notable increase in hostility, physical assaults, and harassment targeting reporters and public figures.

During July, the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia registered 19 safety incidents, including two physical assaults and 14 direct threats to physical security. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented more than 100 verbal attacks launched by state officials and ruling Serbian Progressive Party representatives against media professionals.

The warnings coincide with multiple criminal investigations. Authorities are examining online death threats sent to the local news outlet Volim Zrenjanin, alongside a street assault in Belgrade targeting film director Stevan Filipović. Press organisations also condemned intimidation directed at the family of editor Dragan J. Vučićević and property damage against a reporter's vehicle.

Sources: Beta, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), Danas, N1, Tanjug